Judiciary and defence

The highest tribunal of Mauritania is the Supreme Court, which sits in Nouakchott. There are also several first-instance courts in larger urban centres. Islamic law plays a central role in the Mauritanian judicial system.

By 1995, Mauritania had an army of 15,000 personnel, a navy of 450, and an air force of 150.

Military branches in Mauritania include The Navy, Air Force, National Gendarmerie, National Guard, National Police and Presidential Guard. The military power available (15-49 year-olds) is 624,375 according to the estimation of 2001. The number of military manpower fit for service is estimated in 2001 at 302,699. Military expenditure in 1998 was $41 million.